Page 2 of Trials of a One Night Stand
“Not without a swim diaper, but she’s still way too young, which is what Chloe told her. Harlowe, doing her best impression of Uncle Nate, didn’t think it was fair, so she threw a fit.”
I’m all for fairness, but…“I don’t throw—”
“You and Harlowe act the same when you don’t get your way.”
I shake my head, but this is something to argue when I have Chloe and Zelda as backup.
Ashton stares over his glass. “Thankfully, Roddy was there, so he put his feet in the water and held Willow. That was good enough for Harlowe.”
Roddy and his husband, Mano, are the best guncles in the world and do so much for Ashton, Chloe, and their two girls. At first, I was jealous since I’m related by blood, but I quickly realized Roddy is like a brother to Chloe and gave up on seeing who the better uncle was. Yes, may be a competitive bastard but I can be reasonable.
“Thank goodness for Roddy, but Harlowe let him get off easy.” I’m not kidding. “I would have made him dip Willow’s toes in the water.”
Ashton laughs. “Not sure Chloe would have allowed that.”
“True.” She seemed sweet but a bit flakey when I first met her, but she’s been a valuable employee at Zentello and an excellent wife, mother, and sister-in-law.
“I’ll miss Roddy and Mano when they head back to Hawaii next week.”
That would be rough for the girls and Chloe. She and Roddy have been best friends since childhood, and she relies on him and Mano, especially if Ashton works late. “I’m happy to do more to help you out.”
Ashton’s gaze jerks to mine. “You sound like you mean that.”
“I do. I love my nieces.” Though I’m still not totally over Harlowe finding Chloe’s puppy tail, thanks to their mischievous sugar glider named Buttercup leading my niece to the sex toy, when I was over there last week. And yes, the tail inserts into a butthole. Ashton said it was sterilized, so no biggie, and that if I thought Chloe’s tail was something, I should see Roddy’s rainbow unicorn tail Mano bought him for Christmas. I’m sure it’s colorful and sparkly, much like Roddy himself, but I’m a bit vanilla when it comes to things like that. “And you and Chloe.”
Ashton smiles. “Thanks, bro. Appreciate it.”
Bradley slides onto his stool. “Sorry that took me so long.”
“Was the line to the urinals out the door?” Ashton smirks as if he already knows the answer. “Or did you call your lovely wife?”
Bradley shrugs, but the gleam in his eyes suggests the latter.
“Looks like we’re all back.” Max takes his seat. He’s originally from England, and his accent is quite posh. “Sophie is heading to Randy’s tonight if anyone’s up for some karaoke later.”
“Gurrl power night?” I ask.
“I didn’t ask, but I told her I’d swing by later.” Max picks up his beer. “I need to make sure my lovely lady makes it home safely.”
“Wouldn’t want her to run into another handsome Brit on her way home,” Bradley teases.
That’s how Max met Sophie. She originally called him Bridgerton because of his accent, but we all agree the name fits him. All he needs is a cravat and a pair of breeches. Or whatever men wore during the Regency times. Yes, I’ve seen the show, but I only tuned in to watch the spicy bits, so I didn’t pay attention to anything else. “Especially one who plays rugby instead of football.”
“Well, everyone else in the world calls soccer football,” Bradley says.
Grinning, Max adjusts his glasses. “I dare any Brit or Yank to try to make a move on Sophie because they won’t know what hit them. She’s all mine, mates.”
Ashton nods. “That’s how I feel about Chloe.”
“And me about Christina,” Bradley agrees.
Ugh. More lovey-dovey shit.
“Enough about your happy love lives.” I need to get the focus back on what’s important—me. Well, Zentello. “One reason I wanted to get together is to thank you for everything you’ve done with Orchid. We’ve exceeded all our sales forecasts in the first six months of the product’s launch. Without each of you, we wouldn’t be so rich.”
The three men laugh, the lines on their faces deeper than they were last year. They feel the same way I do about what Orchid has done for the company and how much profit sharing and bonuses have increased our personal bank accounts.
I raise my glass. “To those who made Orchid possible.”
